"Tales of pioneer hardship and deprivation have been told many times. Yet still we remember in wonder, that people accomplished so much with so little; that men and women with simple tools, their bare hands, and their own inventiveness cleared the land, drained the swamps, made their own clothing and provided their own food. Through all these difficulties God was with them and they wanted their children educated intellectually and spritually." from Norfolk Street United Church history

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Canadian Government Invests in Kitchener's Homer Watson House & Gallery

KITCHENER, Ontario, May 13, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - An investment from the Government of Canada in the Homer Watson House & Gallery's exhibition Bringing Heritage Home will help boost the economy and create jobs and growth. Support for the special exhibition was announced today by Harold Albrecht, Member of Parliament (Kitchener-Conestoga) and Deputy Government Whip, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

With this funding, the Homer Watson House & Gallery will present an exhibition from May 5 to September 30, 2012, as a tribute to its namesake and in celebration of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The exhibit will feature two historic Homer Watson Paintings on loan from Windsor Castle's Royal Collection, The Pioneer Mill and The Last Day of the Drought. The paintings are travelling outside of The Queen's private residence for the first time since 1880. This exhibition will also showcase the achievements of Canadian artists and their contribution to their community and to the world.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in activities that celebrate our heritage," said Minister Moore. "By supporting this momentous exhibition at Homer Watson House & Gallery, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support our arts and culture."

"The Homer Watson House & Gallery is an important cultural attraction in our community," said Mr. Albrecht. "Thanks to this exhibition, visitors and tourists will discover the legacy of a remarkable local artist and celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee."

"Through the generous support of the Government of Canada, we are thrilled to have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share in this very special exhibition, Bringing Heritage Home," said Faith Hieblinger, Executive Director/Curator. "These royal paintings are historically significant works of art that illustrate our pride in Canada. A wonderful way to come together and celebrate art, culture, and heritage in the 60th anniversary year of the reign of Her Majesty The Queen of Canada."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $16,320 through the Diamond Jubilee Community Celebrations program. In 2012, Canada marks the 60th anniversary of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of Canada. To celebrate the Diamond Jubilee, the Department of Canadian Heritage is making available funding for community celebrations in honour of The Queen's 60-year reign, her service, and her dedication to this country.

The Diamond Jubilee is one of many milestones Canadians will celebrate in the coming years, including the bicentennial of the War of 1812, Sir John A. Macdonald's 200th birthday in 2015, and Canada's 150th birthday in 2017.